Urt 1

URT English Basics Mr.
Mohamed El-Sheikh
Sentences/Fragments/Run-ons/Conjunctions/Transitions 01021566627
Phrases
A phrase is a group of words that doesn’t have a subject or a verb. Although a phrase has a
meaning, it can’t stand alone as a sentence because its meaning is incomplete. A phrase is
always part of a sentence.
Examples of phrases:
In the club (prepositional phrase)
At school (prepositional phrase)
Studying harder (Participial phrase)
Maadi STEM School for Girls (Noun Phrase)
Frightened of the dog (Participial phrase)
Clauses
A clause is a group of words that has a subject and a verb.
Ex. She is my teacher.
We watched two movies.
Types of clause (Independent & Dependent)

Independent clauses:
An independent clause has a subject, a verb, and a complete meaning. It can stand alone as a
sentence because it has a complete meaning.
Subject + Verb + Complete meaning = Independent Clause

Ex. STEM students do 5 projects.
I love my STEM school.
She is clever.
Dependent Clauses:
A dependent clause has a subject and verb, but it does not have a complete meaning. It can’t
stand alone as a sentence.
Subject + Verb (Without complete meaning) = Dependent clause

Ex. Because she is clever
After I had done my homework
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URT English Basics Mr. Mohamed El-Sheikh
As soon as we had finished the session
Types of Sentences:
[1] Simple [2] Compound [3] Complex [4] Compound Complex
[1] Simple Sentences: A simple sentence contains subject, a verb, and a complete meaning.
It expresses a single complete thought that can stand on its own.
One independent clause = Simple sentence
Examples:
1. The baby cried for food.
There is a subject and a verb that expresses a complete thought.
2. Professor Maple’s intelligent students completed and turned in their homework.
A simple sentence does not necessarily have to be short. It can have adjectives. In this case,
there are two verbs “completed” and “turned in.” However, the sentence expresses one
complete thought and therefore is a simple sentence.
3. Megan and Ron ate too much and felt sick.
Although there are two subjects and two verbs, it is still a simple sentence because both
verbs share the same subjects and express one complete thought.
[2] Compound sentences:

A compound sentences has two or more independent clauses. These independent clauses are
joined by [1] a comma + a coordinating conjunction OR [2] a semicolon (;)
There are 7 coordinating conjunction: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so (FANBOYS)
Two or more Independent Clauses = Compound Sentence

- She is clever, so she got a top score. (Two independent clauses joined by a comma + so)
Independent Clause + ,so + Independent Clause + . = Compund Sentence
- She is clever; she got a top score. (Two independent clauses joined by a semicolon)
Independent Clause + ; + Independent Clause + . = Compound Sentence
- She is clever at English, and I am clever at chemistry, so we agreed to help each other.
(Three independent clauses joined by ,and + ,so)
Independent Clause + ,and + Independent Clause + , so + Independent Clause + . = Compound Sentece
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Notice the following:

- She studies literature and plays the piano. (Simple Sentence: When two verbs are joined
by and, no comma is used)
Subject + verb + and + Verb + . = Simple Sentence
- She studies literature, plays the piano, and does sport. (Simple Sentence: When we join
more than two verbs, we use a comma between each two items/verbs. You will know
more about punctuating a series later.
Subject + Verb + , Verb + , and Verb + . = Simple Sentence

- Ziad and Omar study medicine. (Simple Sentence: When two subjects are joined by and,
the sentence can still be a simple one, and no comma is used before and)
Subject + and + Subject + Verb + . = Simple Sentence
- Ziad and Omar study medicine and play the piano. (Simple Sentence)
Subject + and + Subject + Verb + and + Verb + . = Simple Sentence

- Ziad, Omar, and Jana study medicine, play the piano, and do sport. (Simple Sentence)
Subject + comma + Subject +, and + Subject + verb + comma + verb + , and + Verb + . = Simple Sentence
[3] Complex Sentences:

A complex sentence contain one independent clause and any number of dependent clauses.
A dependent clause begins with a subordinating conjunction (subordinator) or relative
pronoun.
Examples of subordinating conjunctions: after, before, as soon as, until, when, while, because,
although, even though, if, one, even if, provided that, as, as if, unless, whenever, where, etc.
Examples of relative pronouns: who, which, that, whom, whose, whoever, whomever, where,
when
Ex. After I finished the session, I did my homework. (Complex Sentence: When a sentence
begins with a dependent clause followed by an independent clause, there is a comma between
the two clauses)
S C + Dependent Clause + Comma + Independent Clause + . = Complex Sentence

Ex. I did my homework after I finished the session. (Complex Sentence: When a sentence begins
with an independent clause followed by a dependent clause, there is no comma between the
two clauses)
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Independent Clause + (NO COMMA) S C + Dependent Clause + . = Complex Sentence

The conjunctions though, although, and even though are called strong subordinators. When
they appear at beginning of the sentence, they follow the above punctuation rules: there is a
comma between the two clauses. However, when they come in the middle of the sentence, a
comma is optional before them)
Ex. Although he is a clever driver, he didn’t pass the driving test.
Although + Dependent Clause + Comma + Independent Clause + . = Complex
He didn’t pass the driving test although he is clever.
Independent Clause + (NO COMMA) although + Dependent Clause + . = Complex
He didn’t pass the driving test, although he is clever.
Independent Clause + Comma + although + Dependent Clause + . = Complex
After I watched the film, I took a photo with the star, who was very kind. (Complex)
S C + Dependent Clause + Comma + Independent Clause + comma + R P + Dependent Clause + . = Complex
Compound Complex Sentences:

A compound complex sentence contains at least two independent clauses and
any number of dependent clauses.
Ex. After the two soccer players lost their game, they joined their other teammates for
lunch, and they went to the movies. (Compound Complex)
S C + Dependent Clause + Comma + Independent Clause + , and + Independent Clause + . = Compound Complex
The man believed in the system, and he knew that justice would prevail after the
murderer was sent to jail. (Compound Complex)
Independent Clause + , and + Independent Clause + (NO COMMA) S C + Dependent Clause + . = Compound Complex
Types of Sentence Practice:

Identify whether the sentences are simple, complex, compound or compound-complex. Please
underline dependent clauses where it applies.
1. Vampires Dairies is my favorite television show, but I also love True Blood.
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2. The student wiped the white board that was filthy with last week’s notes.
3. The trendy fashion designer released her new line on Wednesday.
4. Trina and Hareem went to a bar in Hollywood to celebrate their anniversary.
5. Wicked Regina cast a spell on the entire city, so the citizens decided to rebel.
6. While waiting for the paint to dry, Angela went to Home Depot, and Martin organized the
kitchen appliances.
7. After listening to the Kanye West CD, I have new respect for his music.
8. After the teacher chose groups, John and Sara were selected as partners for a project, yet
Sarah did most of the work.
Transitional Words & Phrases

Transitional words and phrases increase clarity and provide a logical connection between
sentences.
Examples of transitions:
Transitions used for addition: Also, Furthermore, In addition, Moreover
Transitions used for contrast: Alternatively, Besides that, Conversely, However, In contrast, Instead,
Nevertheless, nonetheless, On the other hand
Transitions used for giving examples: For example, For instance, In particular
Transitions used for comparison: Similarly, Equally, In the same way, Even so, Though
Transitions used for Cause/Effect: As a result, Consequently, For this reason, Hence, Therefore, Thus
Transitions used for Time/Relativity: First, Second, Then, Next, In the past, Meanwhile, Finally
Transitions used for Summary: Finally, In conclusion, In other words, In short, On the whole, To
conclude, To sum up
How to recognize transitions OR how to distinguish between transitions and

subordinators:
[1] Transitions can’t appear at the beginning of an essay or a dialogue. For example, you
cannot begin you essay or conversation with the word therefore. A transition comes only
between 2 sentences or two ideas. They connect the two sentences or ideas.
However, a transition can come at the beginning of the second, third, fourth, or last paragraph.
In this case, it connects the last sentence or idea in the preceding paragraph and the first
sentence or idea in the paragraph it introduces.
[2] Subordinators can appear at any place in an essay or conversation. For example, you can
begin your essay or conversation with the words after, before, or although.
Punctuation of Transitions:
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[1] When the transition comes at the beginning of the second sentence
(A common case)
Sentence 1 + . + Transition + Comma + Sentence 2 + .
OR Sentence 1 + ; + transition + Comma + Sentence 2 + .
Ex. Some Maadi STEM students made global achievements. For example, Yasmeen Yehia
came first at an international competition.
OR Some Maadi STEM students made global achievements; for example, Yasmeen Yehia
[2] When the transition comes in the middle of the second sentence (A less
common case)
Sentence 1 + . + Subject of Sentence2 + comma + Transition + Comma+ Verb and
Complement of Sentence 2 + .
OR Sentence 1 + ; + Subject of Sentence2 + comma + Transition + Comma+ Verb and

Complement of Sentence 2 + .
Ex. Some Maadi STEM students made global achievements. Yasmeen Yehia, for example,
OR Some Maadi STEM students made global achievements; Yasmeen Yehia, for example,
[3] When the transition comes at the end of the second sentence (The least
common case.
Sentence 1 + . + Sentence 2 + Comma + Transition + .
OR Sentence 1 + ; + Sentence 2 + Comma + Transition + .
Ex. Ex. Some Maadi STEM students made global achievements. Yasmeen Yehiacame first at
an international competition, for example.
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OR Some Maadi STEM students made global achievements; Yasmeen Yehia came first at an
international competition, for example.
Punctuating a series of items:

[1] When we combine two items with and, or, and but, we do not use a comma. These items
can be two nouns, two verbs, two adjectives, two adverbs, two prepositional phrases, etc.
Ex. Heba and Jana are friends. (Two nouns) (No Comma)
Jana studies medicine and plays the piano. (Two verbs) (No Comma)
Rahaf plays tennis at school and in the club. (Two prepositional phrases) (No Comma)
Rawan is beautiful and polite. (Two adjectives) (No Comma)
She drove fast but carefully. (Two adverbs) (No Comma)
Ziad or Abdelrahman will win the competition. (Two nouns) (No Comma)
[2] A series of 3 items or more has a comma between each two items. The comma before and
is optional but preferable.
Ex. Rawan, Jana, and Rahaf are sisters.
OR Rawan, Jana and Rahaf are sisters.
Ramez studies business, plays the piano, and does karate.
OR Ramez studies business, plays the piano and does karate.
[3] We connect a list of items with a semicolon if at least one of the items has a comma.
Ex. The team consists of Mr. Ali, the school principal; Mr. Ahmed; and Mr. Maged.
I visited Luxor; Aswan; and Cairo, the Egyptian capital.
[4] A colon is used before the list of items when the list of items comes after a complete
thought.
Ex. I bought three items: a pen, a pencil, and a ruler. ()
Complete thought + Colon + List of items + . ()
I bought: a pen, a pencil, and a ruler. ()
Incomplete Thought + Colon + list of items + . ()
WE are going to talk more about the colon and other punctuation rules later.
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Sentence Fragments and Run-on Sentences

Sentence Fragments:
A sentence fragment is an incomplete sentence because it lacks a subject, lacks a verb, or is a
dependent clause. Fragments usually begin with a subordinate conjunction or a relative pronoun.
When sentences begin with subordinate conjunctions or relative pronouns, they must be joined to
a main clause.
Fragments
Although he wanted to go to the meeting.
Whoever goes to the meeting.
Complete sentences
Although he wanted to go to the meeting, his doctor advised him to stay home.
Whoever goes to the meeting should bring back handouts for the rest of the
group.
Sentence Fragment Practice
Place a () in the left hand column if the sentence is correct and a () if it is a sentence fragment.
___ 1. While they were gone to the grocery store.

___ 2. Going to Florida and to Jamaica for Spring Break.
___ 3. Before the children have to go to bed.
___ 4. They are beautiful.
___ 5. Three of us went on the retreat.
___ 6. Because she had gone to her friend's house late at night without asking for permission.
___ 7. She won't eat them.
___ 8. I don't know when she's coming back.
___ 9. Since they left early in the morning.
___ 10. Mike doesn't know.
___ 11. Don't go into that room alone.
___ 12. After you return from the store.
___ 13. Because education is important.
___ 14. We are leaving at 3:00.
___ 15. Since she was dressed in white.
___ 16. While he is planning to be in Europe for the summer.
___ 17. There is nobody to help her.
___ 18. They are running four miles every morning.
___ 19. The importance of eating a healthy diet.
___ 20. When they arrive tomorrow.
Run-on Sentences
Run-on sentences usually occur as comma splices or fused sentences. A fused sentence occurs
when independent clauses are joined with no punctuation. A comma splice occurs when only a
comma joins two independent clauses.
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Run-on Sentence Practice 1
Correct the following run-on sentences by dividing them into two complete sentences. Add a
period to the end of the first sentence, and capitalize the first letter in the second sentence.
1. The red car is in the parking lot I don't know where the van and the motorcycle are.
2. She was the best student in the class all the study groups invited her to participate.
3. She found the house once she didn't think she could find it again.
4. There are four possible routes I don’t know which is the best.
5. He wanted to meet the group at the restaurant he called to find out what time to arrive.
6. There weren't enough copies to go around we had to share the copies that were available.
7. You finished your work early you don't have to stay.
8. She didn't want to miss her meeting she made sure she left early.
9. They were in a desperate situation they didn't know what to do.
10. The children wanted to go fishing they gathered the supplies they needed.
11. She wanted to leave right after the ceremony too many people were around.
12. She sang as loudly as she could everybody heard her.
13. There was complete silence around me I still couldn't fall asleep.
14. She wanted to know her final grade she was the first one waiting for the grades to be posted.
15. The cat finally fell asleep the mouse ran through the room.
16. The player attempted a final shot he won the game for the team.
17. She didn't want to go she had no choice.
18. He had written down his assignment he couldn't remember where he put that piece of paper.
19. I was too sick to go I called and cancelled the plans.
20. I might have gone later in the day before dawn was just too early.
Correct the following run-on sentences by using a semicolon. Semicolons may be used to join
independent clauses not joined by coordinating conjunctions.
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Correct the following run on sentences by using an appropriate coordinating conjunction and a
comma. The coordinating conjunctions are for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so (FANBOYS).
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Sentence Fragments and Run-on Sentence Practice
Select the sentence from each group that is a sentence fragment or a run-on sentence.
1. A. Probably two to three hours, depending on how hard the task is.
B. The test seemed impossible, but I managed to make an A.
C. We went shopping this past weekend.
D. He wanted the blue one.
2. A. When you use the conjunctions and, for, nor, but, or, for, or, yet, so.
B. They promised to be there in time for the reception, but I expect they will be late.
C. There were four in our group.
D. Let's meet at Lucy's house, and remember to bring the soft drinks and popcorn.
3. A. Mr. Smith, along with all of his students, took his place in the auditorium.
B. The girls arrived late and left early; they only intended to make a brief appearance.
C. It is important to spend time studying, however, rest and recreation are also important.
D. The prosecution presented its case so well that it would be a surprise for the jury to return
a verdict of not guilty.
4. A. This position requires speaking, writing, and supervising skills.

B. The conversation took place in her office, which was cluttered with papers and books.
C. The activity is brisk in the living room and in the kitchen while people are searching for a
place to sit.
D. This is not what I requested the color is too dark, and it's the wrong size.
5. A. After searching through a loose-leaf binder of old homework assignments, he finally

found the notes he was searching for, and he began his intense study marathon.
B. The student entered the professor's office cautiously, and he wondered if the professor--
especially someone so distinguished as to be the department head--could have any
understanding of the stress students face.
C. Then she would be calm.
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D. She looked at the cat again, who had been watching her, and the bird, which was chirping
outside the window.
6. A. He took the elevator up to the ninth floor; he was just in time for his appointment.
B. She waited a minute before dialing the phone, still wondering if she was making the right
decision.
C. The child's mother looked at him disapprovingly; he was wet, and his new clothes were
covered in mud.
D. Because there was a policy that only students of the school could check out books from
the library.
7. A. Jane watched for a moment, and then went back to work.

B. The teacher, having prepared the class for their exam.
C. She stood up and put on her jacket and hat.
D. Mary, sitting on the edge of her chair, watched to see the champion baton twirler's fire
and knife performance.
8. A. He looked old; his hair and beard were gray.

B. Because the only one in the room besides her was an old gentleman with a fragile hand
placed on each knee, whose eyes were closed as if he were asleep or dead or meditating.
C. Next to the young girl was the boy, still sleeping in the chair, and next to him was an
older man, constantly watching the clock.
D. I like the way Judge Smith runs the courtroom; she has no trouble keeping order.
9. A. His teaching position paid well; nevertheless, his graduate school tuition was a great
financial strain.
B. Please don't ask me to read I didn't bring my glasses.
C. We sang until midnight.
D. She had the correct answer.
10. A. Not wanting to appear overly ambitious.

B. Learning to play a musical instrument takes a great deal of time and patience.
C. All of the books on the list appealed to him, but he knew he would only have time to read
two during the trip.
D. This is an important presentation for anyone interested in the field.
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URT English Basics Mr.

Types of clause (Independent & Dependent)

Subject + Verb + Complete meaning = Independent Clause

Subject + Verb (Without complete meaning) = Dependent clause

As soon as we had finished the session

One independent clause = Simple sentence

[2] Compound sentences:

Two or more Independent Clauses = Compound Sentence

Independent Clause + ,so + Independent Clause + . = Compund Sentence

Independent Clause + ; + Independent Clause + . = Compound Sentence

Notice the following:

Subject + verb + and + Verb + . = Simple Sentence

Subject + Verb + , Verb + , and Verb + . = Simple Sentence

Subject + and + Subject + Verb + . = Simple Sentence

Subject + and + Subject + Verb + and + Verb + . = Simple Sentence

[3] Complex Sentences:

S C + Dependent Clause + Comma + Independent Clause + . = Complex Sentence

Independent Clause + (NO COMMA) S C + Dependent Clause + . = Complex Sentence

Although + Dependent Clause + Comma + Independent Clause + . = Complex

He didn’t pass the driving test although he is clever.

Independent Clause + (NO COMMA) although + Dependent Clause + . = Complex

He didn’t pass the driving test, although he is clever.

Independent Clause + Comma + although + Dependent Clause + . = Complex

Compound Complex Sentences:

Types of Sentence Practice:

Transitional Words & Phrases

How to recognize transitions OR how to distinguish between transitions and

OR Sentence 1 + ; + Subject of Sentence2 + comma + Transition + Comma+ Verb and

Punctuating a series of items:

Ex. I bought three items: a pen, a pencil, and a ruler. ()

Complete thought + Colon + List of items + . ()

I bought: a pen, a pencil, and a ruler. ()

Incomplete Thought + Colon + list of items + . ()

Sentence Fragments and Run-on Sentences

Sentence Fragment Practice

___ 1. While they were gone to the grocery store.

Run-on Sentence Practice 1

Run-on Sentence Practice 3

12. She sang as loudly as she could everybody heard her.

4. A. This position requires speaking, writing, and supervising skills.

5. A. After searching through a loose-leaf binder of old homework assignments, he finally

7. A. Jane watched for a moment, and then went back to work.

8. A. He looked old; his hair and beard were gray.

10. A. Not wanting to appear overly ambitious.

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